Pausing the Pandemic: Understanding and Managing Traveler and Community Spread of COVID-19 in Hawaii

Abstract

In the absence of a vaccine, nonpharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing and travel reductions were the only strategies for slowing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using survey data from Hawaii ( n = 22,200) collected in March through May of 2020 at the onset of the pandemic, the differences between traveler spreaders who brought the disease into the state and community spreaders were investigated. In addition to describing the demographic attributes and comparing them with attributes of those who were vulnerable to COVID-19, logit models explaining travel behaviors were developed and tested. Traveler spreaders were likely to be male, younger, and returning students. Community spreaders were more likely to be male, essential workers, first responders, and medical personnel at the highest risk of exposure. Using spatial statistics, clusters and hotspot locations of high-risk individuals were mapped. As transportation researchers are in a position to combine their critical analytical capabilities and experience with relevant databases on mobility and the spread of infectious diseases, this analysis could support efforts to respond to and slow the spread of the pandemic.

Vulnerabilities and risk perceptions of contracting COVID-19 among Nepali migrant workers

“…This finding is not unique from other studies on disaster risk perception. But this study unveils the relationship between the higher COVID-19 risk perception of migrant workers and the incubating vulnerabilities caused by the work environment, housing conditions, service delivery, systemic ignorance, and continued low social and economic statuses ( Hajariya, 2016 ; Kim et al, 2021 ). Targeting this group for non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccination will be an effective strategy to control the spread and infections.…”

“…A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the survey data ( Allison, 2012 ) because the likelihood of COVID-19 infection to an individual was measured in a binary manner (Yes/No question). The regression model to test the risk perception was built as shown below ( Allison, 2012 ; Kim, Yamashita, & Ghimire, 2021 ): Where,…”

The Psychological, Social, and Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Nepali Migrant Workers

“…The method was selected for the analysis because the dependent variable was categorical and dichotomous. The regression model is identified using the following equation ( Hosmer and Lemeshow, 2000 ; Kim et al, 2021 )…”

Ten Takeaways from the COVID-19 Pandemic for Transportation Planners

“…Transportation has been responsible for the spread of the disease between and within communities, and transportation policies were central to containment of COVID-19 ( 24 – 26 ). Before the development and distribution of vaccines and medical treatments, the initial response and mitigation efforts relied on the restriction of movement through quarantine, isolation, and social distancing as the principal interventions to manage the disease ( 27 – 29 ).…”

“…Other jurisdictions, including Hawaii, used transportation facilities such as the H-3 highway tunnel for screening and testing of thousands of motorists ( 48 ). Hawaii also imposed additional testing and reporting requirements, along with mandatory quarantine for in-bound travelers ( 25 ). The state has also set up its own system for reporting and tracking passengers from airlines and cruise ships who have been vaccinated ( 49 ).…”